Dhaka criticises India over Hasina's virtual appearance

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Bangladesh has formally expressed its dissatisfaction after deposed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been sentenced to death in a crimes against humanity case, was allowed to address the media virtually from India.

In a statement issued on Wednesday night, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said allowing Hasina to participate in the media event in New Delhi was deeply painful for the people of Bangladesh and could negatively affect efforts to maintain strong bilateral relations between the two countries.

The statement said the fugitive, convicted former prime minister, made remarks targeting the Bangladeshi state and its people during the event. It also described the programme, held on the second anniversary of the July Revolution, as an affront to Bangladesh's sovereignty and an insult to those who lost their lives during the movement.

According to the ministry, Bangladesh had informed the Indian government in advance about its concerns regarding the possible impact of the event on bilateral ties. Despite this, India permitted the programme to proceed, prompting Bangladesh to express deep disappointment.

The statement further said Sheikh Hasina denied the findings of the United Nations' investigation into the killings of children and civilians during the July, August 2024 mass uprising. It added that the people of Bangladesh have rejected such attempts.

The Foreign Ministry also stated that Bangladesh remains committed to the ideals of the July Revolution and is determined never to allow the country to return to fascism. It added that convicted Sheikh Hasina and her associates have no place in Bangladesh's political future.

Reaffirming its foreign policy position, Bangladesh said it seeks to maintain a constructive, mutually beneficial and forward-looking relationship with India based on sovereign equality, mutual respect, non-interference in each other's internal affairs and national dignity.

The statement also noted that Bangladesh has repeatedly requested India to return Sheikh Hasina under the 2013 Bangladesh–India Extradition Treaty, but has yet to receive a response.

On Wednesday evening, Sheikh Hasina joined a discussion organised by the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia at the Press Club in New Delhi via video link. During the event, she reiterated her earlier statement to Reuters that she plans to return to Bangladesh in December.